Saltmarsh solutions
A home for wetland wildlife and pioneering saltmarsh research
WWT has agreed the purchase of 148-hectares of low-lying land on the Awre peninsula for a pioneering saltmarsh restoration project.
As part of our mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power, we plan to create a new saltmarsh nature reserve on the site in the Forest of Dean, emulating the success of WWT Steart Marshes.
As well as being a haven for wildlife and a nature reserve for the local community, it will act as a hub for new research studying the superpowers of saltmarshes to store carbon, boost biodiversity and improve flood resilience.
Breaching the sea wall and allowing salt water from the estuary onto the land will begin the process of re-establishing the saltmarsh habitat likely to have been present on the site centuries ago.
As part of the project, WWT will also build a stronger flood bank further inland to further reduce the village’s risk of flooding.
The saltmarsh restoration and research WWT is planning to carry out part of this project is possible thanks to a £21 million donation from Aviva aimed at restoring up to 250ha of saltmarsh on the Severn Estuary.
